Messi, who has turned 30, married long-term partner Antonella Roccuzzo and agreed to sign a new contract since the end of last season, hopes the impressive reputation of the former Athletic Bilbao boss will prove to be true as his attention moves to 2017-18.

"With the new manager everything will be new," Messi said in Tokyo at a commercial event for new sponsors Rakuten. "I don't know what kind of manager he is, but he is a great person.

"He was with Valencia and Bilbao, we are hearing a lot about his very good reputation, so we are pinning our hopes on this new beginning.

"Whenever I start a new season there is a very clear-cut goal, which is that Barcelona will do our best.

"Personally I am very happy and looking forward to starting a new season. We have new coaches and assistants. I would like to work with them and enjoy Barcelona for another year."